State, local leaders react to the passing of Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon

(WXYZ) — Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon passed Thursday evening surrounded by family after battling COVID-19 for several weeks.

RELATED: Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon dies at age 65 after battle with COVID-19

Watch live: Wayne County Executive Warren Evans to speak on Napoleon's death at 10 a.m. during vaccine event

The life-long Detroiter began his career in public service as a city police officer, eventually working his way up to county sheriff.

Many in Wayne County, the city of Detroit and throughout the state honored Napoleon for his service.

PHOTOS: Remembering Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon through the years

“I cannot even begin to imagine a world without Benny in it," said Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy. "He was a beloved, iconic, and respected law enforcement official. He was progressive and he was old school. He was tough and he had a heart of gold. But most of all, he was a genuine, caring, and loyal friend and colleague. I will miss him forever.”

Mayor Mike Duggan also releasing a statement expressing that he's "shocked" and "saddened" by the sheriff's passing.

"I am shocked and saddened at the loss of one of our city’s greatest public servants and native sons, Benny Napoleon," Duggan said in the statement. "I cannot think of a leader in this town who has been more loved and admired than Benny. He was born in the city, served our community courageously his entire adult life, and loved Detroit as much as anyone I’ve ever known.

Please keep his daughter Tiffani, his family and friends, and the entire Wayne County Sheriff's Office in your prayers as they struggle with their painful loss."

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist released statements on the passing of Napoleon.

“I am heartbroken at the news of my dear friend Benny’s passing," Gov. Whitmer said. "Sheriff Napoleon’s love for the people he served was returned many times over. His Quick Laugh, eager partnership, and candid counsel is what I will miss most. He was a truly special person. Sharon, Tiffani and his whole family are in my prayers.”

“Sheriff Benny Napoleon’s passing is a tremendous loss for the city of Detroit, Wayne County, and the entire state of Michigan,” Lt. Gov. Gilchrist II said. “Benny was a pillar in the community—a model public servant who lead by example through conscientious words and selfless service. All throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Sheriff Napoleon stood tall on the front lines alongside members of his department to ensure that our community had what it needed to get through this crisis together. He was a progressive ally and champion for changing the justice system to better serve society. And he offered himself as a mentor at every opportunity, so that young leaders, like myself, can be, believe in, and become our greatest selves. Benny’s loss hits hard in the soul of so many people in southeast Michigan who had a chance to connect with him over his decades of service, and his legacy leaves our lives better because of his presence. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rest in power.”

Wayne County Executive Warren Evans: "Words cannot begin to convey the pain we all feel tonight with the passing of Sheriff Benny Napoleon. We have lost a true pillar in our community. He was a dedicated public servant, a loving father to his daughter Tiffani, and a life-long friend to many. My heart aches as Renata and I send out our prayers and condolences to the family.

Benny and I were more than colleagues. We were close friends. Benny shared a love for Wayne County—especially for the city of Detroit—and that love showed in his passion for making our lives better and our community safer and fairer.

I also want to share my condolences with my brothers and sisters in the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office and the Detroit Police Department who served with and under Benny. Benny had such a strong bond with the men and women who put on the uniform every day. I know he was strengthened by your thoughts and prayers in these last weeks.

It seems like we have had to say too many goodbyes since COVID-19 hit our community. Benny’s passing reminds us of the short time we have to make the world a better place. I can honestly say the world is a better place because of my friend Benny, and I will miss him dearly."

U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider released a statement saying, "I always enjoyed spending time with Benny. We worked together closely on law
enforcement matters to protect the families and neighborhoods of Wayne County. Through those challenging times, Benny’s smile always brightened our days."

Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel said, “Benny Napoleon was truly a gentleman in every sense of the word. I am saddened by the loss of a man who spent most of his life serving others as a “Peace Officer” and leader in the law enforcement community. I am grateful to have been his friend.”

Sen. Debbie Stabenow responded to Napoleon's passing saying, "I’m very sad to hear that Sheriff Benny Napoleon has died of COVID-19. He was an incredible man who loved Detroit and everyone he served in Wayne County. I'm thinking tonight of his family and his many friends and sending my love."

Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony, president of the Detroit Chapter NAACP released this statement: "Our hearts are saddened and our gratefulness has been strengthened because of the life of Sheriff Benny Napoleon. Benny was not just a Sheriff. He was a Watchmen who loved and protected this community. He was a selfless warrior for peace through justice. Gods infinite blessings upon Tiffany and family as we embrace the men and women of the Wayne County Sheriffs Department."

Oakland County Sheriff Michael J. Bouchard: “I am at a loss for words in finding out about the passing of a dear friend and law enforcement partner, Sheriff Benny Napoleon. Benny led the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office with professionalism and provided excellent leadership for his agency. I was privileged to work with him on policy issues at both the state and federal level that made a difference for law enforcement across the country. It was comforting to know that our county partner to the south was always a phone call away and Benny always stepped up if we needed assistance. My heart goes out to his family and the men and women of the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office during this difficult time. Sheriff Napoleon will be deeply missed and I am saddened to lose a close member of my law enforcement family.”

Detroit City Council President Brenda Jones released this statement:

Watch Wayne County Executive Warren Evans' comments on the passing of Benny Napoleon below: